Reception at the Embassy in honour of the 21st Anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan

On September 26, 2012 the Embassy organized reception dedicated to the 21st Anniversary of Independence of Uzbekistan. More than 200 guests took part in the event, including representatives of the Parliament, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other government departments of the United Kingdom, public, expert and business circles, mass media, as well as heads of a number of diplomatic missions and members of the British-Uzbek Society.

In his welcoming speech the Ambassador of Uzbekistan Otabek Akbarov underlined that during the years of Independence, the Republic has transformed into a state, which has its respectable place among sovereign nations of the world, relies on its strength and potential, as well as demonstrates rapid and stable growth rates. It was said that our people, especially the young generation, that has matured during 21 years and has advanced mindset, looks at the future with a confidence and will never retreat from the chosen path. He expressed the readiness of Uzbekistan to further develop the friendship and cooperation with the United Kingdom and other countries.

Chairman of the British-Uzbek Society (BUS) Dr. Hartley Booth OBE noted the growing role of the Society in development of the Uzbek-British relations, as well as in promotion of history, culture and achievements of Uzbekistan in UK. The opening of the first branch of the BUS in West Midland (Birmingham) serves as an evidence of the growing interest and attention to Uzbekistan.

Chief Executive Director of «Sefre Architects Research Group» Alexander Sefre noted: “Independence Day is the main holiday for any country. I became a witness of the progress made by your country during the years of Independence, when I recently visited Uzbekistan to participate in the international conference. I was very impressed by the architectural monuments of ancient cities, which are perfectly preserved, showing the attention paid by the State not only to the construction of new and modern buildings, but maintaining historical and cultural heritage. From my side, I am ready to devote all my efforts for the further development of economic and business cooperation between our countries, especially in the sphere of tourism.”

Foreign participants of the celebration noted with satisfaction the tendency of growth of number of joint projects with Uzbekistan. In particular, Kate Reese, the Executive Director of the British NGO «The Haven Wolverhampton» reported on the preparatory work to the 3rd Women's Business Forum, which will be organized jointly with the Uzbek Center for Socio-Economic Development «Sabr» in autumn of 2013 in the UK.

There was also presented a photographic exhibition «Attractive Force of Lines» consisting of the works of the famous photographer from Uzbekistan Victor Vyatkin. The exhibition was organized jointly with the British Council in the framework of the second phase of the project titled «International Architecturee and Design Showcase 2012», dedicated to the Olympic and Paralympic games in London. It was launched at the Embassy on August 20, 2012, and viewed by more than 100 citizens of Britain and other countries.